The University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs entered the matchup ranked No. 12 and riding a seven-game winning streak, but the contest quickly turned into a test of endurance that stretched into double overtime.
A Double-Overtime Heartbreaker
A ground‑breaking rushing attack gave the Bulldogs a massive 370 yards on the ground, the most they have accumulated since 2023, with Derrick Johnson leading the charge with 212 yards and three touchdowns.
However, Slippery Rock struck first with a 54‑yard touchdown pass to Vincent Berardi after a momentum‑shifting return by Jahmil Perryman, putting the visitors ahead early.
The Bulldogs’ defense answered with a series of three‑and‑out series, highlighted by stops from Jonathan Shrum and Joey Krouse, while Kwalil Shepperson’s interception of Jacob Eggert set up a brief comeback attempt.
Peyton Menzel’s 20‑yard reception briefly revived the offense, but a sack by Brett Kwoka halted the drive, and a subsequent fumble on Eggert’s 20‑yard run handed Slippery Rock the tying touchdown.
In overtime, the Bulldogs missed a two‑point conversion after Jacob Eggert’s short run, allowing Slippery Rock to seal a 30‑27 victory with a final defensive pass interference call.
The loss not only snapped the Bulldogs’ streak but also underscored the fine margins that decide top‑tier matchups, leaving the coaching staff and fans reflecting on the defensive lapses that proved decisive.